Encouraging kids to develop green thumbs is a great outdoor activity, especially for this garden-loving Grandma. Recently I taught my two oldest grandchildren (1.5 and 4.8 yrs old) the fine (very simple) art of planting seeds. I filled some large pots with soil and added bamboo trellises shaped like teepees for the plantings to climb on. I chose pole beans and morning glories to plant as they are both fast-growing seeds, perfect for impatient children. In fact, our seeds sprouted within a few days, and in less than three weeks their tendrils had started to climb the teepees…
A few weeks after planting seeds and the beans have climbed up, around, and through the teepee-shaped trellis, producing purple pole beans. No sign of the morning glories yet…
Now, if I could only get the kids to eat the pole beans. Grandma certainly will…
I must admit that I have never planted purple pole beans before and did not realize they turn green when they are cooked….
You can entice children to enjoy gardening by getting them their own gloves, tools, and watering can. I also let them choose the seeds we plant. My grandchildren love the little “critters” and other whimsical touches I have on my back deck and front veranda too…
